Deployed to Afghanistan and couldn't watch the game, so what's everyone's take on Clarey in his first game at RG. I know it's preseason and you can't judge a player on it but is there still hope for him based on that game?_________________Haven't seen my Ryan Mathews Jersey since I got back from New Orleans in January. I guess there is no need to keep looking for it now.

The LBCJoined: 12 Jan 2008Posts: 27554Location: Where We Can't Have Nice Things

Posted: Mon Aug 12, 2013 3:58 pm Post subject:

It's a case of, "you can't change everything in a single offseason" syndrome. He's far, far from ideal, but he's shown he can at least consistently stay healthy and having the veteran presence (even if he's a sub-par player) to mentor Fluker (Clary, despite his play, is constantly talked up for his work ethic and effort in practice).

Ultimately, he doesn't fit what appears to be Coach D's ideal guard, but neither D'Alessandris or Telesco have a track record of being guys that are going to look for long-term solutions from the free agent market. We'll draft someone, if we don't get hold of some younger, semi-sculpted piece of clay via the waiver wire (not likely at all), probably next year to be the long-term piece at RG.

I'm still holding out hope that Schilling makes some kind of impact, but he may be too far past to be salvageable at this point. Typically when you start taking reps at another position it means you're not standing out enough at your natural position to merit an outright spot on your own. So, yes, it likely means that Schilling's competing for a spot with Ohrnberger and Baxter (as the team will want to carry three guys capable of snapping even if one of them is chiefly played at another position) and none are locks to make the roster. Schilling's weakness was always guys attacking his left shoulder, but at least at RG he has the center there to help compensate - and he pulls like a monster.

I think the other line of thinking among the staff is that, we really don't save/gain much by cutting Clary. He may not start, but if we don't gain much by cutting him then why do it. At least if he's on the bench they've got a guy with starting experience (even if he is below-average to any without blind eyes) who can backup two positions available to them if an injury occurs mid-game._________________